Air frying bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is a great way to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat without the need for deep frying. Here’s a simple recipe along with some notes to ensure you get delicious results:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture from the skin helps achieve crispiness.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs, and then season them with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to rub the seasonings evenly on both sides of each thigh.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small.
4. Air Fry:
- Cook the chicken thighs at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it’s essential to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
- Once the chicken thighs are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
Notes:
- Don’t overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken thighs to allow for proper air circulation. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and less crispy skin.
- Check the Internal Temperature: To ensure that your chicken thighs are cooked safely, it’s crucial to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings to your liking. You can add herbs, spices, or marinades that you prefer for extra flavor.
- Preheating: Preheating the air fryer is essential for consistent cooking. It also reduces the overall cooking time.
- Serve with Sides: Chicken thighs go well with a variety of side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Enjoy your crispy and delicious bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs from the air fryer!
1. Marinade or Brine: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs for a few hours or even overnight before air frying. You can use a simple marinade with ingredients like lemon juice, soy sauce, herbs, or your favorite spices. Alternatively, you can brine the chicken thighs in a mixture of salt, sugar, and water for a few hours to make them extra juicy and flavorful.
2. Baste with Butter: During the cooking process, you can baste the chicken thighs with melted butter or olive oil using a silicone brush. This will add extra moisture and flavor to the skin.
3. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Try different spice blends, such as Cajun, Italian, or barbecue seasoning, to give your chicken thighs a unique twist.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. It’s the best way to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
5. Crispy Skin Trick: If you want even crispier skin, you can remove the chicken thighs from the air fryer a couple of minutes before they are fully cooked, brush them with a bit more oil, and return them to the air fryer to finish cooking. This extra step can help achieve that perfect crispy texture.
6. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or tzatziki, to complement the chicken thighs.
7. Cooking Time Adjustments: Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken thighs. If you’re using smaller or larger thighs, be prepared to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
8. Reheating: If you have leftovers, you can reheat chicken thighs in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for a few minutes until warmed through.
9. Boneless, Skinless Variation: If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs, you can still use the air fryer for a healthier option. Follow the same steps but adjust the cooking time to around 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Remember that practice makes perfect, and you may need to fine-tune your technique and seasoning choices to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious air-fried chicken thighs!
